Hull focuses on future prosperity

The leader of Hull City Council has called for action to ensure the city fulfils the role of regional capital.

Stephen Brady says the city is very much “on the up”, with recent investment totalling £410 million from major companies including wind turbine manufacturer Siemens and consumer health giant Reckitt Benckiser, and it is about to enjoy a global focus as it becomes the UK City of Culture in 2017.

Siemens and ABP have invested £310 million as Hull becomes a major hub for renewable industries, while Reckitt Benckiser is spending £100 million on the creation of a Centre of Scientific Excellence in the city which will open early next year. In addition, a major regeneration project in the city centre – the largest in its history – is about to get under way.

Mr Brady says local government may need to change as national policy moves towards giving greater powers and funding to the regions, and Hull must be ready to be a leading member of the northern powerhouse of cities competing with the south.

The council has ordered an inquiry into how it can further boost prosperity in the city, a place Mr Brady insists is clearly “focused on the future”.

Mr Brady also wants residents in Hull and neighbouring East Riding to get involved too, with views being sought on how the councils can improve relations with each other to ensure the whole region capitalises on fresh opportunities for new jobs, economic growth and investment.